Description

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Context:

The Indian Kalaripayattu Federation has accused the Indian Olympics Association (IOA) of “relegating” the martial arts to the demonstration section of the event.

About Kalaripayattu

Feature	Details
Origin	Kerala, India; was founded by warrior sage Parasurama
Historical Significance	Introduced to China by Bodhidharma at the Shaolin Temple in the 5th century AD
Philosophy	"Kalari" means gymnasium; "Payattu" means fighting/exercise; inspired by eight animals' techniques
Types	Northern: Focuses on weapons and linear movements Southern: Emphasizes multi-directional movements with fewer weapons
Training Phases	Maippayattu: Body preparation Kolthari: Wooden weapons training Angathari: Metal weapons training Verumkai: Bare-handed combat
Current Context	Competitive sport in 37th National Games (Goa) Demonstration sport in 38th National Games (Uttarakhand)
Achievements	Kalaripayattu athletes won 22 medals, including 19 gold, at the 2023 National Games

Key Points About National Games 2025

The Indian National Games is an Olympic-style multi-sport event where athletes from states and union territories compete for medals.
The 38th National Games will be held from January 28 to February 14, 2025, in Uttarakhand.
Competition Structure: The National Games will include 32 sports disciplines for competitive events. In addition, four sample sports will be included viz. Kalaripayattu, Yogasana, Mallakhambh and Rafting.
Theme and Slogan: The game's mascot is Mouli, inspired by Uttarakhand's state bird, the Monal, reflecting the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the region.
The slogan for the games is "Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak" (from resolution to zenith).

About the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)

Feature	Details
Role	Governing body of the Olympic Movement and Commonwealth Games in India
Affiliations	IOC, CGF, OCA, ANOC
Functions	Administers sports governance and welfare in India Oversees representation in international multi-sport events Develops sports education and Olympic studies
Recognition	Recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Foundation	Founded in 1927 by Sir Dorabji Tata and Dr. A.G. Noehren
Legal Status	Registered as a non-profit under the Companies Registration Act, 1860
Members	NSFs, State Olympic Associations, IOC members, other multi-sport organizations
NSF Governance	NSFs primarily govern sports included in the Summer/Winter Olympics, Asian, and Commonwealth Games
Management	32-member Executive Board led by the President Elections every four years
Committees	Assisted by various Standing Committees with field experts.

Source:

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Examine the historical significance and contemporary relevance of Kalaripayattu as an ancient Indian martial art. Discuss its role in preserving cultural heritage and its contributions to physical fitness and discipline in modern times. (150 words)